A Model of the Tidally Induced Residual Circulation in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank

Abstract

A three-dimensional nonlinear numerical hydrodynamic model using Legendre polynomials to represent the vertical structure of the horizontal currents has been used to study the tidally induced residual flows in the Gulf of Maine–Georges Bank study region using a 6.25 km square grid. Tidal elevations in terms of the M₂ phase and amplitude along the open boundaries are specified using Schwiderski's deep ocean tidal model. The model predicts strong clockwise circulation gyres around Georges Bank and Nantucket Shoals with a weak gyre around Browns Bank. Strong inflow to the Gulf of Maine is predicted near the Southwestern tip of Nova Scotia. These results are in good agreement with recent model predictions of Greenberg.